TKA's 6th Grade Program

TKA's 6th grade program is very special and a cornerstone of The King’s Academy experience. It is the start of a journey which builds relationships with peers and staff for seven years! Our students often speak lovingly, and longingly, of their 6th grade year.

What Makes It So Special?

First of all, 6th graders are adored by the other students on campus. They are especially mentored and loved by the seniors who serve alongside staff as home group leaders and science camp counselors.

Plus, 6th graders have their own space on campus because all of the 6th grade classrooms are located together with a separate quad and play area.

Finally, they are taught and discipled daily by five amazing 6th grade teachers who are dedicated to this age group. They begin each day with their home group and travel with that same group of 20-22 students to Composition, Literature, History, Science and Bible. Math classes are different because they are by placement level and P.E. classes are divided by gender.

While our 6th graders are initially kept separated for purposes of bonding and gradual integration at the beginning of the year, they soon becomevery much a part of the whole school spiritual life and co-curricular activities and experiences.

6th Grade Special Activities

Mt. Hermon Science Camp

Wax Museum

Egyptian Banquet

Medieval Banquet

Spirit Week

Carnival

6th Grade Courses

Bible: What it Means to Be a Christian?

In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamental truths of Christianity with an emphasis on what is practical and useful for our daily lives as Christians. The course is designed to answer the question: What does it mean to be a Christian? Students are required to keep a journal and memorize a weekly Bible verse. Topics addressed include: faith and doubt, salvation, life of Christ, world religions, importance of prayer and Bible reading, and sharing our faith.

Composition

This course is designed to give the students a solid foundation in grammar, compositional skills, and understanding vocabulary. Throughout the year, students will study sentence-based grammar, providing them with the knowledge of how words work together; this is coupled with the concept of learning not only the definitions of words but also their Greek and Latin roots. Composition is taught within that framework, giving the students not only a solid foundation in the fundamentals of written discourse but also challenging them to integrate the concepts of grammar and vocabulary into their writing. This class also reinforces the literary skills learned in Literature 6, as it provides the framework for the students to express their knowledge of literature in written form.

Literature

This course is designed to transition students from reading comprehension at an elementary level to literary analysis at a junior high level. Throughout the year, students will be introduced to literary concepts such as characterization, theme, and foreshadowing. This course is also designed to complement the 6th grade Ancient World History class, with several novels set in ancient civilizations. It also reinforces writing skills learned in Composition 6 and applies these skills to writing about literature.

Math

Sixth Grade Math uses the Big IdeasMath text (green). This course prepares students for success in General Math and Pre-Algebra. To that end, this course introduces students to most of the concepts that are taught in General Math, but in less depth and at a more relaxed pace. Sixth grade students who complete this course will be on track to complete the standard college preparatory program.

General Math uses the Big Ideas Math text (red). This course prepares students for Pre-Algebra. Basic mathematical concepts and skills are reviewed and reinforced including the study of: integers; rational numbers such as fractions; decimals; expressions and basic linear equations; ratios and percents; angles and geometric figures; circumference and perimeter; surface area and volume; and probability. General Math does not count as a high-school college preparatory course, even if taken in high school.

Pre-Algebra uses the Big Ideas Math text (blue). This course reviews: arithmetic skills; percents; fractions; units; and geometry, and introduces basic algebraic manipulations. This class is required for students who plan to take Algebra 1. Pre-Algebra does not count as a high-school college preparatory course, even if taken in high school.

Earth Science

Sixth grade science is the systematic study of the Earth and how it works. During the first semester, students focus on Earth science principles with units including the Earth’s history and how the Earth functions. In the second semester, students study water resources and space science. Weekly labs are used throughout the year. iPads are integrated with the curriculum in order to provide access to online materials through Think Central. Other apps, such as Google Earth and Expeditions, are used frequently to help students visualize geologic concepts.

Ancient World History

Our study of ancient world history begins with creation and ends in Medieval Europe. Since history is "His story" we will be learning about how God has been faithful to man and shaped history within a Biblical context. We will be using simulations to help students experience what ideas we are presenting throughout eleven early civilizations. "Hands-on" lessons will be our primary avenue through which student learning takes place.

Physical Education

The 6th grade boys’ and girls’ physical education classes are designed to prepare the 6th grade students for adolescence and junior high school. Team sports and the Presidential Physical Fitness Test are the main priorities of the class. The course objectives are twofold: first, that the student become enabled to pass the Presidential Physical Fitness Tests; second, that the student learn and be able to participate in a variety of team and individual sports such as soccer, wrestling, basketball, flag football, track and field, baseball, basic self-defense and fitness. P.E. classes meet 4 days per week. Students who choose to take the Band or Strings electives remain in the elective class for the year, instead of taking P.E.

Visual and Performing Arts Electives

Students who elect band or strings will remain in that elective all year and take it instead of P.E.

Band: The 6th grade Blue Band meets four days a week and is a yearlong course. It is designed to be an introduction to participation in concert band. Students will develop music reading skills on a band instrument and will be prepared for participation in the junior high Gold Band. Students who choose to be in the Blue Band take band classes instead of P.E.

Strings: This class is open to 6th grade students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. It provides an opportunity for 6th grade students who already play a string instrument to continue playing and be better prepared to enter the String Ensemble or String Orchestra their 7th grade year. Students will be required to own or rent an instrument for this course. Students in Strings 6 will not take P.E.